Sweet Summer's Boston Terriers
Welcome ~to Sweet Summer's Boston Terriers~ Welcome
| Boston Terrier Quick Facts | ||
|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 10-25 pounds (4.5-11.3kg.) | |
| Height: | 15-17 inches (38.1-43cm.) | |
| Coat: | Short, brilliant, and of a fine texture | |
| Activity level: | Low when indoors, otherwise high | |
| Learning rate: | High | |
| Temperament: | Gentle, alert, very intelligent, well-mannered, enthusiastic, occasionally rambunctious, humorous, sensitive, eager to learn, willful | |
| Guard dog ability: | Low | |
| Watch-dog ability: | Variable | |
| Litter size: | 3-4 (Caesarean sections are common) | |
| Life span: | 15+ years | |
Appearance
Boston Terriers are typically small, compactly built, well proportioned dogs with erect ears, short tails, and a short muzzle that should be free of wrinkles. They usually have a square sort of face. According to international breed standard, the dog should weigh no less than 10 pounds and no more than 25 pounds. Boston Terriers usually stand 15-17 inches at the withers.
The Boston Terrier is characteristically marked with white in proportion to either black, brindle, seal, or a combination of the three. Seal is a color specifically used to describe Boston Terriers and is defined as a black color with red highlights when viewed in the sun or bright light. If all other qualities are identical, brindle is the preferred color according to most breed standards. .
Ideally, white should cover its chest, muzzle, band around the neck, half way up the forelegs, up to the hocks on the rear legs, and a white blaze between but not touching the eyes. In show dogs, symmetrical markings are preferred. Due to the Boston Terrier's markings resembling formal wear, in addition to its refined and pleasant personality, the breed is commonly referred to as the "American Gentleman." The breed is known for its gentle, alert, and intelligent expression.
Frequently, variations on the standard are seen depending on the ancestry of the individual dog. At various times, the Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, English Mastiff, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and French Bulldog—among other breeds—have been crossbred with Boston Terrier lines to minimize inbreeding in what is necessarily a small gene pool.
Temperament
While originally bred for fighting, they were later down bred for companionship. The modern Boston Terrier can be gentle, alert, expressive, and well-mannered. Many still retain the spunky attitude of the typical terrier. It must be noted however, that they are not considered terriers by the American Kennel Club, but are part of the non-sporting group. Boston Terrier is something of a misnomer. They were originally a cross-breed between the Old English Bulldog and the English White Terrier. Both of these breeds are now extinct.
Some Bostons enjoy having another one for companionship. Both females and males generally bark only when necessary. Having been bred as a companion dog, they enjoy being around people, and, if properly socialized, get along well with children, the elderly, other canines, and non-canine pets. Boston Terriers can be very cuddly, while others are more independent.
Boston Terrier Personality
The Boston Terrier is intelligent, enthusiastic, affectionate and playful. This breed gets along well with other pets, dogs, and children. The breed has an excellent disposition and a high degree of intelligence, which makes the Boston Terrier an incomparable companion.
Exercise Needs
Boston terriers love to play. Their exercise needs are moderate. No long walks are necessary.
Living Conditions
Bostons require a lot of time and attention. They are, and have been bred to be, companions. They will languish without human contact. They are not "outside" dogs. Boston Terriers are very active dogs that love to play. Without some basic training they may jump on you and maybe even give little nips while playing. Some Bostons have been given up for adoption or dropped off at the local "dog pound" for these very reasons.
Seal Brindle Boston Terrier
Grooming Requirements
The coat of a Boston Terrier is short, smooth, bright and fine in texture. Not much grooming is required for Boston Terriers. Occasional brushing should be sufficient.
Health
Because Boston Terriers have large and beautiful but somewhat protruding eyes, protecting them is extremely important. There are over 20 different eye diseases that are known to occur in Boston Terriers so this is very important. The top problem in the breed is cataracts (juvenile cataracts and cataracts of old age). There have also been reported cases of corneal ulcers. Sun exposure for long periods of time must be avoided. They should never be allowed to stick their heads out of automobile windows because the air pressure on the eyes is bad (true for any dog).
Several health issues are of concern in the Boston Terrier: cataracts (both juvenile and adult type), cherry eye, luxating patellas, deafness, heart murmur, and allergies. Curvature of the back, called roaching, might be caused by patella problems with the rear legs, which in turn causes the dog to lean forward onto the forelegs. This might
also just be a structural fault with little consequence to the dog. Many Bostons cannot tolerate excessive heat and also extremely cold weather, due to the shortened muzzle, so hot or cold weather combined with demanding exercise can bring harm to a Boston Terrier.
Bostons, along with Pug, Bulldog, Boxer, Pekingese, Shih Tzu and other short-snouted breeds are Brachycephalic breeds. The word comes from Greek roots "Brachy," meaning short and "cephalic," meaning head. This anatomy can cause tiny nostrils, long palates and a narrow trachea. Because of this, Bostons maybe be prone to snoring and reverse sneeze , a rapid and repeated forced inhalation through the nose, accompanied by snorting or gagging sounds used to clear the palate of muscus. Bostons are also prone to sensitive stomachs and intestinal gas.
They can live up to 15 years or more, with an average of around 13 years.
History
Early Boston Terrier
The question is often asked, "How did the Boston Terrier originate?" Briefly stated it may be said to have resulted from a cross between the English Bulldog and the White English Terrier, and then to have been considerably inbred. Incidental peculiarities of the first dogs used as sires are partly responsible for the present type.
1870 English White Terrier 1870 Old English Bulldog
The Boston Terrier breed originated around 1870, when Robert C. Hooper of Boston purchased a dog known as Hooper's Judge, a cross between the Old English Bulldog and the English White Terrier.(now extinct)... This dog, which he purchased of Mr. William O'Brien of the same city, was undoubtedly imported from England.
Judge, commonly known as Hooper's Judge weighed over 30 pounds (13.5 kilos). He was destined to be the ancestor of almost all the true modern Boston Terriers. He was a strongly built, high stationed dog of about thirty-two pounds weight. In color he was a dark brindle, with a white stripe in the face. His head was square and blocky, and he resembled the present Boston Terrier in that he had a nearly even mouth.
Edward Burnett
A Prominent Early Breeder (owner of Gyp)
Judge was bred down in size with a smaller female named Gyp (or Kate). Gyp was a white bitch, owned by Mr. Edward Burnett, of Southboro, MA. She was of about twenty pounds in weight, had a fine three-quarter tail, and was quite low stationed. She was of stocky build, showing considerable strength in her make-up. Her head was good, being short and blocky.
From Judge and Gyp descended Well's Eph. This dog was of strong build, and like his dam was low stationed. His weight was about twenty-eight pounds. He was of dark brindle color, even white markings, and like Judge, had a nearly even mouth.
Eph was mated with Tobin's Kate. This bitch was of small size, weighing only twenty pounds. She had a fairly short head, was of golden brindle color, and had a straight three-quarter tail. From these dogs can be traced the start of the Breed, the Boston Terrier.
Their offspring interbred with one or more French Bulldogs, providing the foundation for the Boston Terrier. Bred down in size from pit-fighting dogs of the bull and terrier types, the Boston Terrier originally weighed up to 44 pounds (20 kg.) (Olde Boston Bulldogge). Their weight classifications were once divided into lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight.
Gordon Boy, Gretchen, Derby’s Buster, Tommy Tucker, Ch. Lord Derby
The breed was first shown in Boston in 1870. Dogs were bred and exhibited by these Fanciers as Round Heads and as time went on these fanciers met with numerous obstacles, but they would not give up after years of hard work. By 1889 the breed had become sufficiently popular in Boston that fanciers formed the American Bull Terrier Club, but this proposed name for the breed was not well received by the Bull Terrier Fanciers. The breed's nickname, "roundheads", was similarly inappropriate. Shortly after, at the suggestion of James Watson (a noted writer and authority), in 1891 the club changed its name to the Boston Terrier Club and being a Boston bred dog the name was changed from the Round Heads, to the Boston Terrier.
In the year 1893 occurred the most momentous event in the history of the Boston Terrier. After two years of trying to have the breed recognized, The American Kennel club admitted the breed to recognition for registration in the Stud Book, and the Club as a member of the American Kennel Club. Up to this time the Boston Terrier was just in its infancy. There was much hard work ahead to perfect and standardize the breed and try to breed the Boston Terriers to a more even lot. The AKC gave the club membership status, making it the first US breed to be recognized. It is one of a small number of breeds to have originated in the United States that the AKC recognizes. The Boston Terrier was the first non-sporting dog bred in the US.
Much progress has been accomplished in the breed since the year 1900 in the developing of different strains by scientific breeding, and some inbreeding, that has produced some very fine dogs, with clean cut short heads, snow white markings, dark soft eyes and the happy medium body leaning more to the Terrier that the Bulldog. In the early years, the color and markings were not very important, but by the 1900s the breed's distinctive markings and color were written into the standard, becoming an emayhem, preferring the company of humans, although some dogs will still challenge other dogs if they feel their territory is being invaded.
Boston Terriers were particularly popular during the 1920's in the US.
There are few dogs, having the disposition of the Boston Terrier. Their kind and gentle disposition have won them the name of the American Gentleman, a name rightfully given, and as companions or house pets, they have few equals. Breeders must take great care in the selection of breeding stock, as the future of the breed lies in the careful breeding of our present generation.
A Prominent Early Breeder (owner of Gyp)
In the early years, the color and markings were not very important, but by the 1900s the breed's distinctive markings and color were written into the standard, becoming an emayhem, preferring the company of humans, although some dogs will still challenge other dogs if they feel their territory is being invaded.
Boston Terriers were particularly popular during the 1920's in the US.
Boston Terrier Facts
1.Tuxedo’s Come in Many Colors: While most of us are used to seeing the Boston Terrier in the usual black with white marking coloration, other acceptable colors include brindle, seal (a black color with red highlights) or any combination of the three. The dark color must be proportional to the white markings on the dog. The black and white markings are the most common coat pattern seen on the Boston. Boston Terriers also come in Red, Blue, Champaign, Lilac, Cream, Fawn, Chocolate, Splash, and a few other varieties. But those colors are not officially accepted by the Boston Terrier Standard.
2.Not Really A Terrier!: The Boston Terrier was created by breeding’s from two dogs- the Old English Bulldog and the English White Terrier. They are listed in the Non-Sporting group by the American Kennel Club. Boston’s were the first dog breed that originated in the United States to be recognized by the AKC.
3.They Have Dark Roots: Boston’s are great companion dogs who are gentle, social and enjoy the company of people. The original Boston Terriers were bred to be fighting dogs and were much larger than the Boston’s we see today. They ranged from 7-45 lbs and at one point they were actually put into weight classes like boxers: Lightweight, Middleweight and Heavyweight! Of course these dogs of the early 1800’s are long bred out of the little spunky dogs that we see today. If they are properly socialized as puppies they typically get along well with other dogs and animals.
4.Manners Please!: While we know they can’t help it, Boston Terriers have some habits that leave a little to be desired! (Of course their owners have no problems overlooking these traits!). Due to their brachycephalic nature (short snouts), they often snore - loudly! They also grunt and make other interesting and expressive sounds! Boston Terriers are also known to be a breed that passes gas on a regular basis. Their personalities outweigh these habits, after all they are still nicknamed “The American Gentleman”.
5.Motherhood Mishaps: Due to selective breeding for the large, round shape of the Boston Terriers head, almost *all* Boston Terrier puppies must be delivered via caesarian section. This can be very expencive! Ethical Boston Terrier breeders are aware of this fact and have a working relationship with their vet. Everyone is ready for the big moment when the puppies need to be delivered! Another reason why breeding Boston Terriers should be left to the experts and not attempted by the typical family.
6.Weather Watch: Because of their short noses, Boston Terriers have a hard time in hot weather. They need to be carefully monitored to make sure they don’t overheat. During the winter they need to be kept warm with a coat or a sweater due to their extremely short coats.
7.Boston Museum?: The Boston Terrier Museum is located in Floydada, Texas and contains several hundred pieces of Boston Terrier paraphernalia. Owner, Bob Hambright, decided to open the museum after his collection got too big to fit into his home.
8.They’re Famous!: Or at least they are owned by famous individuals! At one time or another all of the following people have owned Boston Terriers: Helen Keller, President Warren G Harding and Rose McGowan. Boston Terriers are also the official state dog of Massachusetts. See lots more FUN facts about Bostons below!
Miscellaneous Fun Boston Terrier Facts
- In 1979, the state legislature recognized the Boston Terrier as the state dog of Massachusetts.
- Rhett the Boston Terrier is the well-known mascot of Boston University.
- Buster Brown and his Boston Terrier dog Tige, a comic strip character created in 1902 by Richard Felton Outcault.
- Sergeant Stubby, a possible Pit Bull-Boston Terrier cross, was the most decorated war dog of World War I, and the only dog to be promoted to sergeant through combat. Stubby also served as one of Georgetown University's earliest mascots (before the Bulldog was adopted as the official breed of the university's mascots).
- The Boston Terrier is the mascot of Wofford College. Mascots currently include "Boss the Terrier" and "Lil' Ruff" (both Boston Terrier characters) and Blitz (a purebred Boston Terrier).
- Redlands High School in Redlands, California has the (Boston) Terrier as their mascot.
- Toto is drawn as a Boston Terrier in several Oz Books.
- Helen Keller was given a Boston Terrier named Phiz by some of her classmates from Radcliffe College.
- United States President Warren G. Harding owned a Boston Terrier named Old Boy.
- Charmed actress Rose McGowan is a known Boston Terrier lover. She herself owns two, Bug and Fester. She is also an animal rights activist and works closely with rescue centres to help improve the lives of mistreated Boston Terriers. Rose also donates money to the Boston Terrier Rescue Net, an organisation that helps raise money to rescue and re-home neglected Boston Terriers.
- A Boston Terrier named Bruiser is the mascot of Fat Wreck Chords.
- The NOFX record 13 Stitches features a Boston Terrier on the cover.
- Denise Richards has two Boston Terriers named Lucy and Stella, which where seen on an episode of National Geographic Channel's The Dog Whisperer.
- Dom Howard, drummer for the rock band Muse, and his girlfriend own a Boston terrier named Hendrix.
- Tucker Ensley,guitarist for the rock band Secret Lives of the Freemasons, and his girlfriend Jessika Carney own a Boston Terrier named Ninja.
- Boss Hogg of 'Dukes of Hazzard' fame owns a Boston Terrier.
- Jonathan Hughes (of punk band 25 Minutes to Go and Revolution Charlotte) and his wife Stephanie own a Boston Terrier named Pickles Blueberry Hughes.
- The cute little fella who is featured as the lost dog "Badger" in the series of MasterCard commercials is a Boston terrier. His real name is Toby.
- All Mighty Clothing line creater Erica Daking has a Boston Terrier named Mighty who is the muse from which she draws a majority of her inspiration for her sleek and stylish fashion line. Her sister Jen, also has a Boston Terrier.
- "Pixel", 4 year old beloved Boston Terrier of Lisa Wong and Nick Jackson was the official ring bearer at their recent wedding. The wedding is featured in the latest winter 06 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine. Lisa is a graphic designer and has used Pixel as her model in an adorable canvas tote bag and card collection.
- Actress Famke Jenssen has a Boston Terrier named Licorice.
- Tom Welling aka Clark Kent Has a Boston Terrier.
Beautiful litter of red and White Boston Pups from Hiada Boston Terriers Vancouver Island British Columbia
Boston Terrier Relationship Rules
The Boston Terrier has been called the ultimate family dog. Many owners say that your family is not complete until you have a Boston Terrier or two. And it's easy to see why owners give glowing reports of the interactions between their Boston Terriers and their children. Not only will your children benefit from this playful and cuddly furry playmate - they will have a loyal friend for life.
Boston Terriers are intelligent, friendly and outgoing. They love to be around people and will benefit from a loving family "pack". Typically eager to please these dogs are so lovable you won't want to consider another breed. If you have young children and intend on buying or already own a Boston Terrier, here are some rules about making the relationship between the children and the dog as trouble free as possible.
1. Good socialization means a good family dog.
Boston Terriers are easy to socialize. Take your puppy with you in the car or out on errands whenever you can. The puppy should get used to being around people and other dogs. Although it is not recommended that you take your puppy into public places before they have received all their vaccines - you can take your puppy in the car with you when you fetch the children from school.
2. The dogs may not be treated aggressively
Children need to be taught not to tease or bother the dog while eating. Any dog gets aggressive if disturbed while eating and this has resulted in many tragic bites. Letting your children feed the dog is a great way to get them involved in caring for your dog. If your dog does growl you should discourage him by saying "No" and making it clear that growling is unacceptable behavior.
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3. A few sessions with a dog trainer are a good idea
Even if your Boston Terrier is well behaved; a dog trainer can reassure you all that your dog is aware of the boundaries in your family.
4. The puppy may not bite the children - even playfully.
Teething puppies are no problem; their gentle little bites don't hurt now - but they will when your dog gets teeth! Rather encourage a policy of "no bite". Offer toys and other appropriate outlets for the play bites.
5. Make the boundaries clear
As with any dog - boundaries are the key. Your puppy should not be allowed to roam the house freely until he is properly housetrained. This is a fun process in which you can involve the children. The puppy will need to be taken out every time he needs to go and the children will benefit from taking them outside and waiting until they have done their business. Following these tips should assure you of a family friendly Boston Terrier.
Having a dog in the house, particularly a Boston Terrier - can be a wonderful positive experience for your children too. Your children will learn many valuable life skills from their dog. They benefit by learning the value of respect. They learn responsibility (children should be encouraged to take part in caring for the dog too). In addition they will learn patience, kindness and compassion. Your dog will develop a special relationship with your children. Boston Terriers are generally content to be played with. If socialized correctly they are tolerant and will even allow the kids to play dress up with them.
The positive effect a dog can have on your family is amazing. Boston Terriers are intelligent and child friendly. Proper training and teaching children to respect and love the dog will ensure your Boston Terrier becomes a valued part of your family.
Boston Terrier Links
Boston Terrier useful sites and Information The Boston Site ~Your one stop scorce for Boston Terrier information. The Dog Health Guide~ Health and care information for your dog. Boston Terrier Ears~ what to do when they just wont stand up! The Boston Terrier And All About It~ A Practical,and Scientific Guide To The Breeding Of The American Dog | by Edward Axtell. An interesting look at Boston Terrier history. Boston Terrier Colors Explained~ A GREAT site with loads of information about Boston Terrier colors and patterns Colorful Bostons~About Colored Boston Terriers (reds, Blues, Creams, Fawns etc) Boston Terrier Forums, Clubs, and Meet-Ups. The All Color Boston Terrier Club WOOF! A Boston Terrier Board British Columbia Boston Terrorists Meet up group DogHobbyist Boston Terrier Forum Red and White Boston Terrier Forum Boston Terrier Meet Up main site Boston Terrier Meet Up British Columbia 